Is Drawing Tablet Useful For Editing

After spending about seven hours doing some pretty intense compositing in Photoshop 1 twenty-four hours, my manus and wrist were curled up similar a hook with the muscles and so tight and overused. It was painful and took several days to come right. It took me ages to edit that image, every bit I got tired hanging on to the mouse, had to keep resting, the accurateness wasn't great, and I kept making mistakes. Overall, the editing feel was pretty atrocious.

Due to a gardening accident, I also take tendon damage to my right hand, which sometimes flares up for months at a fourth dimension, during which fifty-fifty using a mouse can aggravate the issue farther.

Later on looking at a lot of options I decided to solve 2 problems at once and get a drawing tablet. I got a Wacom Intuos Pro Medium size tablet and it was the best decision I fabricated.

Photo by Stacey Hill

Yes, I yet employ a mouse occasionally, but the tablet fulfills 95% of my requirements. Information technology's more comfortable to apply for long periods. I tin residual my arm/hand in a more than natural position and it is easier on my wrist.

Plus, with all the extra buttons and features, information technology is much quicker and way more efficient to apply within Photoshop (and other programs if you ready it up like that) as well.

Recommended Reading: If you're interested in improving your postal service-processing workflow, check out Photzy'south Understanding Masking premium guide. It has a section for Lightroom and Photoshop, every bit well as Snapseed for mobile users too.

Introduction

It's a common question in photography and digital art groups: "Should I get a drawing tablet?" Or in more recent times, "I tin can't decide between getting a cartoon tablet or an iPad Pro with a Pencil."

As far equally the question about iPad Pro vs. drawing tablet goes, I haven't personally done a comparison, but plenty of people seem to like the iPad Pro Astropad. Many of the benefits mentioned here volition still apply no matter what tablet choice you opt for, but I will be specifically addressing the Wacom Intuos Pro model in this guide.

Note that my setup for editing is seated at a corner desk-bound with dual monitors, a keyboard, and a tablet. My primary computer is a total desktop; I never edit on a laptop or away from this setup.

Primal Lesson: Using a tablet allows you lot to be more efficient, work more effectively, and helps to reduce the impact of strains or injury.

My editing setup, consummate with the true cat that insists on sleeping in the way while I'chiliad on the computer. My keyboard is to the left, the tablet is to the right, and in the middle is Cognac the cat with my mouse right abreast him. Photograph past Stacey Hill

Benefits of Using A Tablet

More Natural Arm/Hand Positioning

Spending hours with your hand clamped around a mouse, having to pick it up to move it, click on the buttons etc., is non the most natural or ergonomic manner to motion your trunk. If yous are doing an intense editing session, it tin can go to be quite painful and isn't good for you.

Photograph by Stacey Hill

Using a tablet/pen combination is much improve. The pen is much lighter and easier to agree on to with a calorie-free grip. Y'all can residuum your paw on the tablet and exercise small-scale, quick pen strokes, or you lot can swing your whole arm freely from the shoulder if doing bigger sweeping strokes.

Equally previously mentioned, considering I accept damaged tendons around my pollex/wrist area, the position my arm sits in when using the pen is far more comfy and natural for me.

Two-Handed Operation

The Intuos has viii Express Key buttons and a touch-sensitive ring that has iv separate functions (Scroll, Zoom, Rotate, and Keystroke), which I take prepare to Scroll as the default summit-left option.

I can prepare specific functions on the Express Key buttons on the tablet, plus the pen has buttons for functions likewise.

Coupled with either the keyboard or the optional Express Key Remote, you tin can then do a neat bargain with both easily. It'south faster and very efficient, especially if y'all programme in frequently used steps like "Add a New Layer" with a one-button press.

Photograph by Stacey Hill

Multi-Program Functionality

The Wacom tablet software gives a great deal of control and granularity over how yous set up the tablet to exist used. It can be specifically set up to piece of work one way with 1 program, and a different way in other programs. You can map the use of the tablet area beyond 1 screen or shared across multiple screen views.

Photograph by Stacey Hill

You can set the Affect to work in one plan, pen only in another, then on. It's extremely customizable and flexible, and can be a little confusing at starting time to understand all the options and how to gear up them upward for your optimum experience.

I edit using Lightroom and Photoshop and use the tablet as a touch on-sensitive mouse surface for full general navigation and use.

As an instance:

My setup locks focus for pen utilize within Photoshop to the main window that Photoshop is active in. I do this so that I accept full range of utilize of the whole tablet surface and have more than area to piece of work in.

I could span it across 2 monitors, but that splits the area of the tablet to half per monitor. If I'yard doing very fiddly masking work, I desire equally much control as possible.

Yet, the finger affect control of the tabular array will work across both screens. Plus my mouse is bachelor likewise.

Affect, Pen, and Button Features

The Intuos is fully touch enabled like the runway pad on a laptop, so the whole surface can be used that manner. I use mine similar that and it essentially replaces my mouse for nearly everything I desire to do. I discover it not the all-time at doing a "Click and Drag" feature so I all the same apply my mouse for that.

The pen can be used as a pen or as a mouse as well if y'all prefer.

The scroll role on the touch bicycle is super handy. I take the buttons/wheel positioned on the left side of the tablet, as I am correct-handed. Using my left hand to roll means my correct paw doesn't have to exercise all the work, and that helps a lot with managing pain and reducing overuse.

Photograph past Stacey Colina

Buttons with key features are useful. Having an UNDO button with one press is handy in whatever plan that supports the CTL + ALZ + Z feature.

Plus, the Radial menu is a software function that offers another eight programmable selection choices too.

Pressure Sensitivity

The tablet is pressure sensitive, and levels depend on which i you become. In general, the harder you printing, the thicker the line etc.

Plus, if you are drawing with a castor type that changes depending on the bending you might be holding the pen at, that will replicate in the style the stroke comes through equally well. And so it can mimic real brush strokes.

For photographers this may not be a key feature, but if yous desire to become creative and play, it can exist a lot of fun.

Absolute Positioning

When you lot kickoff set upwards the tablet, you calibrate it in all four corners. After that the pen is exactly where the pointer says it is on the screen. You can work at pixel- level accuracy if you lot want to and know that where y'all place the pen nib is exactly where information technology volition come down on the screen.

It'due south a level of accuracy way higher up what a mouse can do, and is far more accurate than using your finger on a touchscreen or similar too.

Different Nib Choices

Photograph by Stacey Hill

The Wacom Intuos pen comes in a stand, and hidden within it are a range of different nib types. They give you choices on the experience or the "feel" you want to have when working the pen beyond the tablet.

Key Lesson: There are lots of benefits to having a tablet, including setting up key functions aligned to a specific program. Depending on the settings, they tin can be extremely customizable and offer a more natural arm position for condolement.

Recommended Reading: If you're interested in improving your post-processing workflow, check out Photzy's Understanding Masking premium guide. It has a department for Lightroom and Photoshop, every bit well as Snapseed for mobile users too.

Which One Do I Get?

There are lots of choices. Wacom offers several different styles and sizes of tablet; an iPad with a Pencil can offer a lot besides. Or if y'all want to get all in, something like the Wacom Cintiq/MobileStudio Pro or Microsoft Studio combines your estimator/screen/ tablet drawing surface into 1 complete device.

I was lucky enough to borrow an sometime Bamboo tablet to test for a week, which was enough to help me decide that information technology would work for my purposes.

Other brands include Huion, XP-Pen, Artisul, Gaomon, Monoprice, Ugee, and Yiynova.

Firstly, you have to place what a tablet can do then clarify specifically what you desire the tablet to practise for yous. Then put some thought into the mode you work and how the tablet might enhance that procedure. Side by side, go shopping!

Firstly, you have to place what a tablet tin do and and then analyze specifically what you want the tablet to do for y'all.

For me personally, I needed a way to be able to work at my computer doing a long editing stint without further aggravating my wrist injury. Plus, I wanted
to be more than efficient with my work flow, faster with editing options, and have more command over masking, selecting, and castor painting. Finally I wanted editing to exist more than fun.

Photograph by Stacey Hill

I as well work on two screens, and doing some research online showed me that getting a medium-sized tablet might suit improve. The larger area gives more than expanse to work your mitt around smoothly, but it is not so large that y'all get tired using it. If I was a more painting/drawing-style artist, the largest size might have been desirable, just for my purposes the Intuos Medium size has been perfect.

It also comes with a wireless module, so you can cull to utilize it that way if you prefer, which gives you added flexibility with how and where you might choose to work. The Medium size is reasonably portable if you need to deport it effectually with a laptop, for example.

For someone starting out, non sure whether or not a tablet will work for them, endeavour one of the smaller entry- level options. They have all the basic functionality and volition let you to get used to the idea without spending lots of coin.

Key Lesson: Depending on your requirements and budget, in that location are a lot of options available, and so check out reviews, ask other users, and inquiry your best choice.

Is It Hard To Become Used To?

At showtime, yes – it'southward really frustrating. You are and so used to reaching for the mouse that it'south a hard addiction to break. Many people recommend removing your mouse completely to suspension those habits.

My biggest challenge was that I had seen videos of people using the tablet features in really cool ways but couldn't figure out how to set it upwardly to do those things.

However, once I found out where y'all gear up specific functions and how to write them so they align with a specific push button click (or combination of pen/tablet buttons), then I started to go the functionality that I wanted from my tablet.

Using information technology feels very natural for me; I very chop-chop got used to using the pen or touch surface to navigate my computer in general. You can allocate functions to specific finger tap patterns, strokes or shapes, and also prepare those to function in certain ways in different programs equally well.

Finding out all the dissimilar ways yous tin tweak the settings and arrive easier for you lot personally to use can be a bit frustrating; there doesn't seem to exist one Holy Grail of all this data on the net. Instead information technology's a fleck here and there.

Just once y'all do go information technology all set upwardly and you accept the musculus retentivity congenital in so it'due south your go-to device of choice, then information technology's a seamless experience.

Fundamental Lesson: Yes, making the transition from mouse to tablet is initially very difficult and you have to work hard at it; however, once information technology is properly prepare up to align with your workflow, it becomes much easier. Stick with it!

Accessories

I have two specific accessories that make my tablet experience better. The first one should exist a necessity for any tablet user; the 2d 1 is more optional.

one. Fine art Glove

Photo by Stacey Loma

The first accessory, and most important, is an art glove. This is a glove that fits over the palm and last ii fingers of your hand (i.e. the areas that are in contact with the tablet surface).

Why do I wear the glove?

Firstly, it gives me a smooth, frictionless glide across the surface. Previously I would take issues with my skin communicable and juddering across when doing a long sweeping stroke. Also, in summertime, your hands can sweat, making it slippery and unpleasant to use.

The glove also helps proceed the surface of the tablet clean.

I got the DokiWear CG Art Glove as they make a range of sizes and colors and it was quite affordable. I wear it every fourth dimension I utilize my tablet with the pen, as I use the pen as my mouse, which is pretty much every fourth dimension I use that computer.

2. Express Fundamental Remote

This is a specific Wacom accessory, and it is a wireless remote that provides 17 customizable buttons at your fingertips.

Photograph by Stacey Loma

I have the two large ones at the base of operations set for my brush functions. If I hold them down while using the pen in castor way and move my pen left to right, it changes the size of the castor as I movement the pen.

If I hold the buttons down while moving the pen upwardly or down, it changes the hardness or softness of the castor.

Photograph by Stacey Hill

I have one button set equally Add New Layer. Another button is fix to Ctl + Alt + Shift + E: Stamp Visible Layer with one click of a push button (instead of having to utilise four fingers at once).

3. Wacom Accessories

Wacom have a range of other accessories you tin utilise and dissimilar pen options (depending on the tablet), including an airbrush pen.

Photograph by Stacey Hill

Your pen probable comes with a range of nibs to experiment with, and you tin get replacement ones equally they wearable down.

Other options like cables, pen grips, carry cases, and protective surface sheets are also available.

Key Lesson:An fine art glove should be considered a necessity for optimum operation.

Recommended Reading: If you're interested in improving your post-processing workflow, check out Photzy's Agreement Masking premium guide. It has a section for Lightroom and Photoshop, likewise as Snapseed for mobile users too.

Summary

If you have ever looked at a tablet and wondered why people utilise them, or if there was any do good, then from my signal of view in that location admittedly are major benefits.

Everyone has a different experience or requirement, merely the transition over to the tablet has been completely benign to me.

While function of the reason I got one was to reduce strain and overuse on my right hand/ wrist, the other reasons were around workflow and efficiency. Fortunately my injury did get better, but information technology must be commented on that changing the mode I was working to a tablet non only helped it heal, but it has also continued to reduce further stress and strain on my right manus, which, being right-handed, is of import to me.

Photo by Stacey Loma

Plus, the tablet and pen combination is much less tiring to apply when sitting at the calculator working for extended periods, which is a benefit to everyone. It's faster and far more accurate to use the pen to work with.

Having two hands to exist able to access pre-programmed key combinations with i button click is very efficient. Using both easily balances the load and is less tiring for your main working hand.

Getting a Wacom tablet helped me overcome an injury, but it also made my editing experiences with Lightroom and Photoshop much faster, more accurate, and allowed me to quickly admission repeat functions. My workflow is smoother, and I tin can practice better and more than complicated work and produce higher quality outputs.

My workflow is smoother, and I tin can do ameliorate and more than complicated work and produce higher quality outputs.

Finally, having a tablet makes information technology fun to work. When yous are not experiencing hurting from your hand cramping over a mouse when used for hours at a time, it'due south easier to be enthusiastic nigh editing. When you can work faster and more accurately, it takes less time to edit each individual paradigm. That means that when you do have a tablet that yous want to really go creative on, you can, knowing information technology will flow smoothly and not arrive the way of your creative process.

For me, a tablet was the right option. Yes, it took a while to get properly ready and used to, but I am absolutely committed to information technology now. My mouse gets used for "click and drag" and that'south about it, generally.

If you are wondering if a tablet is a worthwhile investment, or if it will help improve your workflow, personally I admittedly think it does, and highly recommend getting one – whatever size or brand that suits your requirements.

Photo by Stacey Hill

Self-Check Quiz:

1) Can I utilise a tablet in Lightroom?

2) Tin can a tablet completely supervene upon a mouse?

3) Do I need an art glove?

four) Can I use a tablet with different programs?

5) Tin I use a tablet with multiple screens?

Answers:
one) Yeah, absolutely.
two) Information technology can if you choose to make it work for yous like that.
three) I would recommend i.
4) Yes, it volition piece of work in any program with the pen just similar a mouse.
5) Yeah, multiple screens are fine with a tablet, but a larger size may exist helpful.